Georgia wants Atlanta commuters to dump the pump Thursday

Seems like there’s a national day for everything, even city commuters.

Georgia Commute Options is encouraging metro Atlanta commuters to take transit as part of National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday. Joel Wascher with Georgia Commute Options, a Georgia Department of Transportation funded program, explained that the issue of traffic is not new to Atlanta commuters.

“I think Atlanta commuters are aware of the congestion issue,” Wascher said. “This would be a great way to get out and try our transit.”

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A recent study reported that the costs associated with driving in metro Atlanta are more than $11,000 annually. This amount includes car payments, maintenance, fuel, insurance, parking and idling in congestion.

Taking transit helps to cut down on these costs while providing personal health and environmental benefits, according to Wascher.

Incentive programs are available for commuters who dump the pump. The “Gimme Five” program allows participants to earn $5 a day, with a cap of $150, for switching to a clean commute option. Current clean commuters can participate in “$25 Prizes,” a monthly drawing for $25 prizes for logging their commutes.

National Dump the Pump Day began in 2006, when gas prices were $3 per gallon, to encourage people to save money and take transit. This is Atlanta’s 13th year participating in the campaign.

The federal grant will allow MARTA to accommodate more riders, upgrade and replace buses.